Connection with Christ brings with it the connections we need to succeed

We live in a world where who you know not what you do is key to promotion and favor many times. In the Christian sphere, the same proves true, ask Joseph. Transplanted in Egypt against his will, I'm sure he felt estranged from those close to him. Joseph's walk though allowed him to thrive as he served in Potiphar's place. As we walk with God, others will take notice of our transformed work ethic. Joseph's promotion would be accompanied by demotion as well. For no fault of his own; Joseph was landed in an offender's prison, though his relationship with Potiphar's wife was nothing but righteous. Through the highs and lows of Joseph's walk, he was learning how invaluable it is to not live for life's highs, but rather to live to walk with God. Knowing Him is the most enervating part of our life experience. I find it interesting that as Joseph was forced to better know God for being thrown into prison, God gave him the human connections he needed to do a greater work once more. In prison he met Pharoah's baker and Pharoah's wine-taster, who led him into Pharoah's presence, where Joseph  found favor was made second ruler in Egypt. The high call today is to weather life changing tides by growing the more close to Christ. This alone will prove a true anchor, steadying us in life's highs and lows. Our strong, growing walk with Christ will also bring with it the connections we need to realize the dreams God places in our hearts. God is all about our being interconnected with Him and He rewards those who'll seek Him with the connections they need to
succeed. Let your first step in loss not be hurry to get back up on your own, but rather rush
into His presence. He alone is the true Giver of all good things. Joseph's moving from
Potiphar's place to Pharoah's palace hinged on his willingness to know and praise God in
prison. How's your connection to Christ today?

Dealing with someone who is a pain to you?

My wife has a way of looking at my son with her pure heart and telling him, "Don't let one of those girls break your heart." I used to tell my little one the same things too, but life has taught me that heartbreak is God's primary mentoring tool in our lives. Our growth is forged in the fire of interpersonal relationships. I believe relationships are the medium God uses most to procure growth in our lives. God has a way of bringing people into our lives, who seem gifted at making us happiest and angriest all at the same time, whether it be a spouse, acquaintance, boss, or close relation. God tests, refines, and transforms us in the hot pot of relating to "stupid" people. You may say, "Why did you allow this person into my life. I feel akin to the devil for having to relate closely to them." Well, had that person not been allowed in your life, you may have been best friends with the prison guards, for doing something, which may have cost you your personal freedom. As they tried your faith, your treasure chest of patience, experience, and love unashamed was loaded (Rom. 5:3-5). Each new person God brings into our lives is a rainbow of dark and bright; they are God's messengers to mull and shape us into the image of His seamless Son. The Bible speaks clearly to our need to allow love to control in how we are with others (2 Cor. 5:14). We don't have to feel like we can love the seeming (messengers of Satan) God brings our way; we just need love them, dominated by a greater love (James 1:12). At the very least, we can love them for the better person they are making of us. Pray for me as you pray for you that God will help you accept the people gifts He brings your way, leaving you filled with His love to love them on purpose. This one's from deep within me, hope it helped you. People will lie about you to make themselves look better, they'll seem more interested in what you have to give than you; if our focus is on any thing less than their standing as creations of almighty God, hand-picked to grow us in our journey; we'll not allow God's love to control in our interactions with them.